As the operation to liberate Manbij continues, locals fleeing ISIS gangs’ oppression move to the areas liberated by the Manbij Military Assembly.

A family fleeing ISIS reached the operation forces to the west end of the city. The group of approximately 15 people went to the fighters carrying a white cloth that shows they are civilians. Fighters provided food and water to the tired and thirsty family.

One of the fleeing civilians, Muhammed, said they won’t live under ISIS oppression anymore and that “every day was like death” so they chose to flee from the gangs.

Muhammed continued: “Under ISIS rule, they intervened with everything. Anybody that opposes them faced all kinds of torture. In there, nobody wants to live with them but people are very afraid. They all want to come here like us when they get the chance. ISIS even intervened with our beards and our clothing. And the cost of living had gotten too high. We couldn’t get by. I am thankful to the soldiers carrying out this operation.”

Another escapee, Necmiye, said the following on the ISIS oppression: “Everything went black after ISIS came. Our dresses are all black. We can’t show our face. They made everybody wear black, even the young children. And they either imprison or kill anybody who isn’t like them. We could no longer go out to the shops even.”

A 7 year old girl threw away her black clothes as they were leaving the fighters.